Threats against members of Congress increased 400% in the last 6 years

Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger told the House Administration Committee that threats against members of Congress have increased 400% in the last six years.

Manger attended a hearing with lawmakers and spoke about the increase in attacks on members of Congress and noted that the Capitol Police have had to transform into an agency that is even more focused on protecting members of Congress and their families.

"We are again on track this year to receive approximately 9,000 threat assessment cases. Threat assessment officers carry an average annual caseload of nearly 500 cases," the police chief reported.

During the hearing, Manger spoke about recent attacks against two legislators. anonymous letters possibly referring to the attack against New York Republican Representative Lee Zeldin, which occurred in July 2022 while he was campaigning for governor, and the attack against Minnesota Democratic Representative Angie Craig, which happened on February 9 inside the elevator of her apartment.

"The old focus on protection has been replaced by the need to protect members' environment as well as their family. Keeping you and your families safe must be a top priority," he said.

Shortage of personnel

Manger also took the opportunity to talk about the need to add more officers to his division, which he said is currently 30% understaffed.

"Approximately 429 officers left the department, of which 358 left after January 6. So far, the department, with the support of Congress, has managed to stay ahead of attrition, incorporating 484 officers. The current number of sworn employees in the department is 1994 officers," he said, highlighting the need to hire more agents to meet the demands.

The police chief suggested increasing funding for agents to travel to protect members of Congress outside Washington.